Indian missions playing a key role in safety and evacuation of citizens: West Asia Crisis

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the Iran–Israel conflict, India has intensified efforts to evacuate its citizens stranded in Iran, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran playing a central role in the ongoing operation. Under “Operation Sindhu” and related initiatives, more than 2,200 Indians have been evacuated so far, including nearly 1,000 students and over 650 fishermen. With Iranian airspace shut and flights severely restricted, evacuation has been carried out through land routes via Armenia and Azerbaijan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on April 11 confirmed the safe evacuation of an additional 312 Indian fishermen, thanking Armenia and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for their support. Earlier, 345 fishermen were brought back to Chennai via Armenia on April 5.

Many evacuees, particularly fishermen from Tamil Nadu districts such as Kanyakumari and Nagapattinam, described their return as a “second life” and expressed gratitude to Indian missions. The Ministry of External Affairs has remained on high alert, issuing advisories and coordinating closely with regional governments to ensure citizen safety.

The ongoing West Asia crisis has triggered cautious sentiment in Kolkata, particularly in sectors linked to overseas employment and remittances. Traders and small businesses dependent on Gulf-linked economic flows are closely monitoring developments, with concerns over prolonged instability potentially affecting demand and financial inflows.